August is when the itch gets the worst. Hot, lazy days lose their shine. The buzz of the air conditioner starts to burn your eardrums. And winter feels SO far away. And it is, but a plane ticket or a long hike could change that. Here’s where you can get your midsummer fix.

This year’s New Zealand Winter Games, from August 13-23, features four freeski events: slopestyle, half pipe, big air, and skier cross. Keep an eye on athletes like Devin Logan, Jen Hudak, and Jossi Wells at this event, and as they prepare for the 2014 Olympics.

Normally the season in Southern Hemisphere is well under way by this point in the year. Not this year. Natural disasters and a lack of major snow means the Southern Hemisphere winter has started off slow. But ski camps, contests, and other events are still going on. Here’s what you need to know if you’re headed south.